Traditionally, Xbox Live multiplayer access is barred to those with free Silver accounts, restricted only to those that have paid for or redeemed a Gold-level membership.

Microsoft stressed that the promotion only applies to those playing Grand Theft Auto IV or the downlodable Lost and Damned expansion, which requires the GTA IV disc to play.

One of two promised Xbox 360-exclusive downloadable episodes for Rockstar North's Grand Theft Auto IV, The Lost and Damned hits on February 17, priced at $20.